10 Best Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball Alternatives for Limited Equipment

The Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball is done seated with dumbbells. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Dumbbell One Arm Concentration Curl (On Stability Ball), the Dumbbell Seated One Arm Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball With Leg Raised and the EZ Bar Seated Close Grip Concentration Curl.

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Original Exercise: Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball

Primary muscle
Biceps
Equipment
Dumbbell
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Isolation

Secondary muscles: Forearms

How to perform Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
  1. Sit on an exercise ball with your feet flat on the ground and your back straight.
  2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand with your palm facing up and your arm fully extended.
  3. Keeping your upper arm stationary, curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder by contracting your biceps.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.
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Ranked Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on an exercise ball with your feet flat on the ground and your back straight.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand with your palm facing up and your arm fully extended.
    3. Place your other hand on your hip for stability.
    4. Slowly curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder, keeping your upper arm stationary.
    5. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, squeezing your bicep.
    6. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
    8. Switch arms and repeat the exercise.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Biceps
    • Ez-barbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation

    A good swap when you have an EZ bar to work with, and it still works the biceps.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and hold an EZ barbell with an underhand grip.
    2. Rest your elbow on the inside of your thigh, just above the knee.
    3. Curl the barbell up towards your shoulder while keeping your upper arm stationary.
    4. Squeeze your biceps at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the barbell back down to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
  1. Concentration Curls
    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Beginner
    • Isolation

    Pick this when you want an easier version that still works the biceps.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit down on a flat bench with one dumbbell in front of you between your legs. Your legs should be spread with your knees bent and feet on the floor.
    2. Use your right arm to pick the dumbbell up. Place the back of your right upper arm on the top of your inner right thigh. Rotate the palm of your hand until it is facing forward away from your thigh. Tip: Your arm should be extended and the dumbbell should be above the floor. This will be your starting position.
    3. While holding the upper arm stationary, curl the weights forward while contracting the biceps as you breathe out. Only the forearms should move. Continue the movement until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level. Tip: At the top of the movement make sure that the little finger of your arm is higher than your thumb. This guarantees a good contraction. Hold the contracted position for a second as you squeeze the biceps.
    4. Slowly begin to bring the dumbbells back to starting position as your breathe in. Caution: Avoid swinging motions at any time.
    5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions. Then repeat the movement with the left arm.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on a bench with your legs spread apart and a dumbbell in one hand, resting your elbow on the inside of your thigh.
    2. Fully extend your arm and hold the dumbbell with an underhand grip.
    3. Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the weight up towards your shoulder while contracting your biceps.
    4. Continue to raise the dumbbell until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder level.
    5. Hold the contracted position for a brief pause as you squeeze your biceps.
    6. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
  2. Zottman Preacher Curl
    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation

    Pick this when you want to work the biceps with less balance to manage.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Grab a dumbbell in each hand and place your upper arms on top of the preacher bench or the incline bench. The dumbbells should be held at shoulder height and the elbows should be flexed. Hold the dumbbells with the palms of your hands facing down. This will be your starting position.
    2. As you breathe in, slowly lower the dumbbells keeping the palms down until your upper arm is extended and your biceps are fully stretched.
    3. Now rotate your wrists once you are at the bottom of the movement so that the palms of the hands are facing up.
    4. As you exhale, use your biceps to curl the weights up until they are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder height. Again, remember that to ensure full contraction you need to bring that small finger higher than the thumb.
    5. Squeeze the biceps hard for a second at the contracted position and rotate your wrists so that the palms are facing down again.
    6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
  3. One Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl
    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Grab a dumbbell with the right arm and place the upper arm on top of the preacher bench or the incline bench. The dumbbell should be held at shoulder length. This will be your starting position.
    2. As you breathe in, slowly lower the dumbbell until your upper arm is extended and the biceps is fully stretched.
    3. As you exhale, use the biceps to curl the weight up until your biceps is fully contracted and the dumbbell is at shoulder height. Again, remember that to ensure full contraction you need to bring that small finger higher than the thumb.
    4. Squeeze the biceps hard for a second at the contracted position and repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
    5. Switch arms and repeat the movement.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the ground and hold a dumbbell in one hand, palm facing up.
    2. Rest your elbow on the inside of your thigh, just above the knee.
    3. Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbell towards your shoulder.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, squeezing your biceps.
    5. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on an exercise ball with your feet flat on the ground and your back straight.
    2. Hold a dumbbell in one hand with an underhand grip, resting your elbow on the exercise ball.
    3. Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbell up towards your shoulder.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, then inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Biceps
    • Dumbbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on a preacher bench with a dumbbell in one hand and your upper arm resting on the pad.
    2. Hold the dumbbell with a neutral grip (palms facing your body).
    3. Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbell up towards your shoulder.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, squeezing your biceps.
    5. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell back to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch arms.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: curl, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Primary muscle: biceps, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Body position: seated, the same as the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball

Why You Might Need a Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball Alternative

You might substitute this exercise because you lack an exercise ball, you have low shoulder stability, or the ball’s instability interferes with biceps overload. An exercise ball forces core and scapular stabilization, which can limit pure biceps loading; swapping to a stable seat or cable lets you target elbow flexion and increase time under tension. For shoulder or lower-back pain choose an option that keeps the humerus neutral or slightly behind the torso to reduce long-head stretch. Cue: sit with a packed scapula and drive the forearm through supination to maximize biceps brachii recruitment.

Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball FAQ

What muscles does Dumbbell One Arm Seated Bicep Curl On Exercise Ball work?

The movement primarily targets the biceps brachii (both heads) through elbow flexion and forearm supination, with secondary work from the brachialis and brachioradialis. The exercise ball also demands core and scapular stabilization, so the rectus abdominis and obliques assist to maintain seated balance.

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Similarity scores compare exercise metadata such as movement pattern, muscles, equipment and body position. They are not a safety rating or a check that you own the equipment. Learn about our methodology